Football: Chelsea signs midfielder Bakayoko from Monaco

Monaco's French midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko celebrates after scoring a goal during the UEFA Champions League in Monaco on March 15, 2017. PHOTO: AFP

ENGLAND (REUTERS) - Chelsea has completed the signing of midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko from Monaco on a five-year contract, the Premier League champions said on Saturday (July 15).

The 22-year-old has made nearly 100 appearances for Monaco over the past three seasons, scoring five goals, and becomes Chelsea manager Antonio Conte's third senior signing of the close season.

Chelsea did not disclose what they had paid for the midfielder, but British media reported that the fee is likely to be in the region of 40 million pounds (S$71.9 million). "I am very happy to be here and to join this great team," Bakayoko told the club's website.

"I have grown up watching Chelsea. Signing was the natural thing for me because it is a club I loved very much in my childhood. I am now looking forward to evolving under this fantastic coach and alongside so many great team mates."

Chelsea has signed goalkeeper Willy Caballero from rivals Manchester City and also brought in centre-back Antonio Rudiger from Italian side AS Roma.

Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.